CHICAGO, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Because of its solid record of proven results, AIM High, a program of Center for Companies That Care, has been named one of 47 recipients nationwide that will share in nearly $10 million from AT&T. AIM High is dedicated to dramatically raising the college graduation rate among disadvantaged, minority, urban youth and preparing students for post-graduate careers. The $300,000 AT&T Aspire grant will enable AIM High to expand and invite more than 100 9th graders from Chicago Public Schools to join the program.

"What makes AIM High successful is that it is long-term and provides college-educated role models. The students begin the program in 9th grade, and continue through college graduation paired with 3-6 business professionals, who serve as mentors and coaches throughout the program. Businesses are eager to participate because they not only want to make a meaningful difference in the community, but they also see the critical business imperative of increasing the diversity of tomorrow's workplace," says Marci Koblenz, president, Center for Companies That Care.

Applicants for the AT&T grant were evaluated based on their accomplishments in serving students at risk of dropping out of high-school and the ability to use data to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. Students who participate in AIM High have: better academic performance than their classmates, higher high school graduation rates, 100% college acceptance and persistence in college, and high parent involvement. Shavaun Grant, college freshman and AIM High alum says, "I can attest to how the program helped me achieve my high school goals...Some of the opportunities I have received through this program are insights into careers through internships, as well as an understanding of colleges and universities that became essential during my own college application process...I realize that AIM High has given me the key tools to achieve my dreams, such as time management and relentlessness."

AT&T will present AIM High with the $300,000 grant at the annual AIM High Kick-Off on Oct. 4, 2012.